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Intrathecal baclofen therapy in children: an analysis of individualized goals
Author(s) -
Liew Peck Yee,
Stewart Kirsty,
Khan Debra,
Arnup Sarah Jane,
Scheinberg Adam
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
developmental medicine and child neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.658
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1469-8749
pISSN - 0012-1622
DOI - 10.1111/dmcn.13660
Subject(s) - medicine , hypertonia , cerebral palsy , spasticity , physical therapy , occupational therapy , gross motor function classification system , pediatrics , patient satisfaction , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anesthesia , surgery
Aim To determine whether intrathecal baclofen ( ITB ) therapy improves performance and performance satisfaction in goal areas identified by patients' parents. Method This study formed part of an ongoing multicentre national audit involving six paediatric ITB pump implant centres across Australia. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure was the primary outcome measure utilized at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months after pump implants in paediatric patients receiving ITB therapy for the first time between 31st December 2009 and 31st December 2014. Results Twenty‐five children had goals identified (mean age 11y 1mo), 19 had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy and 22 were at Gross Motor Function Classification System level IV , V, or equivalent. Strong evidence for an improvement in goal performance (2.33, 95% CI 1.70, 2.96, p <0.001) and performance satisfaction scores (3.08, 95% CI 2.28, 3.88, p <0.001) were demonstrated at 6 months, compared to baseline. The differences were clinically significant and were sustained to 12 months. Interpretation ITB therapy in paediatric patients with hypertonia results in clinically significant improvements in average performance and performance satisfaction scores. What this paper adds The most commonly identified goals of parents of children treated with intrathecal (ITB) therapy were: improving ease of dressing, positioning, and transfers. ITB therapy is effective in improving performance and performance satisfaction in children with hypertonia. Score improvements are mainly evident within the first 6 months of therapy.